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FATIGUE STRENGTH OF MISALIGNED CRUCIFORM AND BUTT JOINTS

The virtues of fracture mechanics fatigue analysis of welded joints are outlined. The stress intensity factors for toe and root cracks as calculated by the finite element method for cruciform joint is presented. Crack growth data for welds in steel to NVE 36 is presented, and applied in an analysis of transverse, load-carrying welds. From this, the fatigue strength of misaligned joints is calculated. Measurements of eccentricity of cruciform joints in offshore structures is presented, and acceptance criteria for eccentricity and root defects are discussed in light of these findings.